All graduate students participate in one of the graduate student committees. In the fall at a general graduate student meeting (usually held during a TGIF meeting), slots on the various committees are filled by volunteers. Students unable to attend the meeting can make their preferences for committee assignments known to the meeting organizer prior to the meeting. Students who do not attend will be placed on committees with available slots. The term of each graduate student committee appointment is one year, from the time of the fall meeting until the next year's meeting when committee memberships are re-assigned.

Graduate Program Committee Representative (One representative and two alternates) - The GPC representative attends meetings of the Graduate Program Committee in order to express student opinions and concerns and to ensure that graduate students are kept informed of decisions made or considered which might affect them. The GPC representative acts as a contact point between grad students (individuals or committees) and faculty/staff, is available to assist newer students with questions concerning student life, is responsible for the selection/election of the student committee and assures that the committees are functioning properly.

Department Faculty Meeting Representatives – Two representatives (one post-comps and one other) and two alternates attend the scheduled meetings of the department faculty in order to express student opinions and concerns and to ensure that graduate students are kept informed of decisions made or considered which might affect them.

PSU Graduate Student Association Representatives (Two representatives and two alternates)- Two representatives attend meetings of the University Graduate Student Association (GSA) in order to express student opinions and concerns and ensure that graduate students are kept informed of decisions made or considered which might affect them. More information about the Graduate Student Association can be found at the GSA web site.

Department Colloquium Committee – One chair and unlimited number of students. This committee is responsible for assisting designated faculty in organizing and holding the Department of Geosciences Colloquium. Committee members solicit ideas for colloquium themes and speakers, help invite and schedule speakers, and help publicize the colloquium schedule. Working with faculty and staff, the committee may act as hosts to visiting speakers and coordinate transportation, housing and meals.

Graduate Student Colloquium Committee - This committee is responsible for scheduling and organizing the annual Department of Geosciences Graduate Student Colloquium held during Spring semester. Committee members handle organizational logistics (reserve room and equipment, solicit abstracts, schedule speakers, compile program booklet, publicize sessions), chair colloquium sessions, and arrange for refreshments and clean-up. Guidelines for the organization of the annual Graduate Student Colloquium are spelled out in a document available from the Committee chair. (one chair and unlimited members)

Activities and Events Committee - This committee helps schedule and organize the Departmental activities such as the Fall Picnic, the Holiday Party (generally held the last day of Fall classes) and Entropy (generally held the last day of the student colloqium). Committee members reserve space and equipment, advertise, solicit donations/sell tickets, and arrange for decorations, entertainment, food, and clean-up. At the request of others, this committee also helps with the Fall Picnic and other department social gatherings. (one chair and unlimited members)

Computer Committee – One chair and unlimited members. This committee helps ensure that the computer needs of grad students are met, regardless of their affiliation (or lack thereof) with a specific computer-rich group (i. e. ESSC, Geophysics, Geodynamics, Basin Research, Ice and Climate). The Committee represents grad student interests at meetings of the Faculty Computer Committee and should interact regularly with faculty in designing access to computer facilities. The chair of this committee should have a good knowledge of computer systems and the various department facilities.

Welcoming Committee For New Students – One chair (new student) and unlimited members. This committee provides information about housing, parking, insurance and other issues that would help incoming students and those considering offers of acceptance. In the past, this committee has compiled a folder of relevant materials to be mailed to students to whom offers of admission are extended (generally in mid-April). The chair of this committee, when requested, coordinates over-night housing (often in a student's home) and lunch or dinner for visiting potential grad students. The committee may be asked to organize welcoming social.

TGIF Committee -This committee organizes and publicizes opportunities for grad students to present their work and field/travel experiences to their peers in an informal setting, often in preparation for candidacy exams, defenses or professional meetings. This committee solicits speakers, reserves room and equipment, and publicizes the talk. The decision of whether to invite faculty to these talks is left to the speaker. The head of the TGIF committee is also in charge of running the meeting where committees are put together.